camber defined

I read about 'camber and a half' and 'double camber'. Is this a
mathematical definition? Would I be able to identify the amount of camber
by measuring ratio of unloaded ski belly-height to length of ski or
something?
a

Camber and a half generally refers to skis that are a compromise
between the single camber alpine or Telemark skis and double camber
classic skis. Skis designed to turn work better when the camber is
flattened under equally weighted loading and negatively cambered when
one ski if fully weighted. In contrast, classic double camber skis
have enough residual camber when skis are equally weighted so that
pressure on the grip wax zone is minimual when gliding.

The "camber and a half" ski is a softer double camber ski that will
de-camber better than a double camber ski when fully weighted, yet does
not drag its wax as much as a single camber ski.

Edgar

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In article ,
a wrote:
I read about 'camber and a half' and 'double camber'. Is this a
mathematical definition?

_ No, it says more about the contruction method than anything
else. Double Camber skis are designed to have the tips and
tails contact, but not the center with weight divided between
the skis. What double means is that there is a different camber
between the center of the ski and the tips and tails. When the
ski is flexed for turning the center will be much flatter than
the tips and tails. This makes carved turns difficult.

In contrast single camber skis should have full contact when equally weighted
and when flexed bend in a very round arc, this makes turning much
easier.

A "camber and half ski" is an attempt to compromise between the
two and make a ski that kick'n'glides reasonably well, but has
a more round flex for turning. Some of these skis are very fun
and some are just terrible at everything.

_ Booker C. Bense





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"Booker C. Bense"
bbense+rec.skiing.backcountry.Jan.23.06@telemark. slac.stanford.edu wrote
in message ...
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In article ,
a wrote:
I read about 'camber and a half' and 'double camber'. Is this a
mathematical definition?

_ No, it says more about the contruction method than anything
else. Double Camber skis are designed to have the tips and
tails contact, but not the center with weight divided between
the skis. What double means is that there is a different camber
between the center of the ski and the tips and tails. When the
ski is flexed for turning the center will be much flatter than
the tips and tails. This makes carved turns difficult.

In contrast single camber skis should have full contact when equally
weighted
and when flexed bend in a very round arc, this makes turning much
easier.

A "camber and half ski" is an attempt to compromise between the
two and make a ski that kick'n'glides reasonably well, but has
a more round flex for turning. Some of these skis are very fun
and some are just terrible at everything.

Which leads me to wonder how the new Pinnacle skis perform. They've got
camber-and-a-half and a sidecut which goes against current trends - big tip
and relatively straight tail. Sounds like compromise x2. Wonder if it
works?

I did pick up a used pair of Lookouts. The redish orange ones. What
puzzles me is how 'flat' they are. Very little arch (at least compared to
the skinnies I'm used to). Couldn't tell if they were blown out or if it's
by design. Hope to find out this weekend if Canaan gets enough snow!

_ Booker C. Bense





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